Indiana Finds Their Guy
The crimson and cream have officially named a replacement for outgoing coach Mike Woodson, The man who will lead the Hoosiers is Darian DeVries. He begins a new era for Indiana basketball. DeVries, who held head coaching positions at Drake and West Virginia University, has a strong track record of success. His hiring has produced excitement among players, fans, alumni, and analysts who believe he has the potential to restore IU’s status as a national powerhouse once again. The hiring also brings some skepticism from critics who do not think he is the right choice and fear he lacks the experience at a Power Five conference school such as Indiana.
A Proven Coaching Background
DeVries built himself an impressive coaching resume. Before joining the Hoosiers, he spent one season at West Virginia, leading the Mountaineers to a respectable 19–13 record, and arguably should have been in the NCAA tournament. (Sports Reference) However, his most notable achievements came during his six-year tenure at Drake University. Under his coaching, Drake became a consistent contender, securing three NCAA tournament appearances and reaching the 20-win mark in all six seasons. Seth Tow from the Indiana Daily Hoosier said, “IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson expressed confidence in the hire, stating, “Darian has the experience and vision to bring Indiana basketball back to championship contention.”
A New Start at Indiana
DeVries takes over a program eager to return to its former glory. The Hoosiers finished last season with a 19-13 record but failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Former head coach Mike Woodson’s departure left the team in a bind, and several key players, including Gabe Cupps and Malik Reneau, have since transferred because of Woodson’s departure. (13 Wthr)
Despite the challenges, DeVries remains optimistic. At his introductory press conference, he acknowledged IU’s storied past and promised to put in the work to lead the program forward, “Indiana has one of the richest traditions in college basketball. We’ll do everything we can to bring championships back to Bloomington.”
A Major Financial Investment
Pete Thameo of ESPN.com said, “Indiana made a significant financial commitment to secure DeVries reportedly paying over six point four million to buy out his contract at West Virginia which is the largest coaching buyout in school history.” This large investment shows the university’s determination to return the Hoosiers to their former glory in the days of yore (before I was born). On top of the new coach’s salary, Indiana must also pay to buy out former Coach Woodson’s contract of over eight point four million dollars according to Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star. Schuyler Calihan of SI.com is quoted as saying IU had to pay WV’s buyout on top of paying DeVries a new salary of five million per year. So, if my math is close, in order to get Coach DeVries to Indiana, the Hoosiers are on the hook for over eleven point four million dollars. It remains to be seen if this massive amount of money is worth the investment…
What is next for IU Basketball
Although DeVries has an impressive track record, he will need to produce results quickly. Hoosier fans have high expectations for any coach who takes reign over the crimson and cream and are eager to see their team return to the top of the Big Ten Conference. Competing against the usual powerhouses such as Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois will be no small task. Other than game-day results, DeVries must also rebuild the roster and establish strong bonds with both current players and incoming recruits. DeVries must overcome transfer portal losses of Malik Reneau, Gabe Cupps, and decommitted recruits such as Harun Zrno according to the Indiana Daily Hoosier’s Mike Schumann. Many fans are left wondering if Devries will pull a page out of Coach Cig’s book and bring multiple players from West Virginia such as Tucker Derives. DeVries’s ability to develop talent and develop a winning culture will be a vital skill for IU’s long-term success.
Will DeVries Lead IU Back to the Top of College Basketball?
Darian DeVries’ hiring marks the start of a new era for Hoosier basketball. With his past coaching experience, winning mentality, and ability to build successful programs, he has the tools necessary to return Indiana to glory once again. Only time will tell whether he can live up to the expectations placed on him. But for now, IU is betting DeVries is the right man for the job to bring the Hoosiers back to prominence.
